Como comprar azeite a granel: MOQ, Incoterms e envio

Sourcing olive oil in bulk is very different from buying a few retail bottles. Volumes, packaging, pricing terms and logistics all follow their own rules. This guide walks importers, distributors and packers through what to expect.

1. Decide your grade and volume

Start with the grade (extra virgin, virgin, lampante) and an estimated per-shipment or annual volume. Grade and volume drive both the price and the packaging options available to you.

2. Understand minimum order quantities (MOQ)

MOQ depends mostly on packaging:

• Packed goods (bottles, tins, bag-in-box) — often from a single pallet.
• IBC totes (~1,000 L each) — ordered by the tote or pallet-load.
• Flexitanks (up to ~24,000 L) — a full container load, the most cost-effective for large volumes.

Share your target volume and the supplier will confirm the MOQ for each format.

3. Choose bulk packaging

Common bulk formats include IBC totes, flexitanks, drums and bag-in-box. Retail-ready formats (glass, PET, tins) are available too if you prefer packed goods over pure bulk. The right choice balances unit cost, shelf life and how you'll re-pack or distribute.

4. Agree the Incoterms

Incoterms define who handles — and pays for — each step of shipping. The most common in the olive oil trade:

• EXW (Ex Works) — you collect from the producer and manage all transport.
• FOB (Free On Board) — the supplier delivers to the origin port and loads the vessel.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) — the supplier ships to your destination port, insurance included.

5. Confirm quality and documents

Every lot should ship with a certificate of analysis. International shipments also need commercial documents — invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and health/phytosanitary or organic certificates where required.

6. Samples and the first order

Request pre-shipment samples before committing to a large order. Once approved, confirm the contract and the producer packs, analyzes and ships. Learn more on our bulk supplier page, or request a quote to get a firm price with Incoterms.